India: Violence at the Polls

As the seven-day polling period began last
week for India's fourth general election in its 20 years of
independence, the average Indian made his foray to the polls either a
festival or a fistfight. In countless villages, voting day became the
occasion for fairs and native dances. But, as Indians in record numbers
cast their ballots, there was also an ugly upsurge in violence, which
had earlier marred the campaigning. From Kerala to Kashmir, hundreds
were injured in scores of clashes between supporters of different
parties. At least twelve died, including an 18-year-old girl who burned
herself to death in...